A de novo-originated gene drives rose scent diversification.

How evolution builds genes, how these genes attain enhanced expression, and how they integrate into existing regulatory networks to drive phenotypic diversification are all fascinating questions. Here, we generated chromosome-level genome assemblies for two Rosa banksiae subspecies and re-sequenced an additional 40 rose accessions. Genomic analysis of more than 100 Rosa accessions revealed multiple evolutionary steps leading to the de novo origination of a taxon-restricted gene, SCREP, specific to the rose lineage.

Genome-wide identification of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene family in six Rosaceae species and expression analysis of GST genes in Rosa chinensis.

Background: Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) play crucial roles in various physiological processes, including plant development, endogenous metabolism, stress tolerance, and xenobiotic detoxification. However, the comparative analysis of the GST gene family in Rosaceae species and their expression patterns in roses remains unclear.

Results: In this study, a total of 348 GSTs were identified in six Rosaceae species, including 78 in rose (Rosa chinensis), 53 in strawberry (Fragaria vesca), 69 in peach (Prunus persica), 59 in Chinese plum (Prunus mume), 43 in apple (Malus domestica), and 46 in pear (Pyrus communis).

Anthocyanin biosynthesis and transport synergistically modulated by RcMYB75 and RcGSTFL11 play a pivotal role in the feedforward loop in response to drought stress.

Anthocyanins, the important antioxidants and signaling molecules, are natural polyphenolic compounds widely present in plants and essential for plant defense. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying plant anthocyanin accumulation in relation to drought stress. This study reveals that drought stress induces significant anthocyanin accumulation in Rosa chinensis, alongside an increase in the expression of the MYB transcription factor (TF) gene RcMYB75 and the glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene RcGSTFL11.

Boosting transcriptional activities by employing repeated activation domains in transcription factors.

Enhancing the transcriptional activation activity of transcription factors (TFs) has multiple applications in organism improvement, metabolic engineering, and other aspects of plant science, but the approaches remain unclear. Here, we used gene activation assays and genetic transformation to investigate the transcriptional activities of two MYB TFs, PRODUCTION OF ANTHOCYANIN PIGMENT 1 (AtPAP1) from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and EsMYBA1 from Epimedium (Epimedium sagittatum), and their synthetic variants in a range of plant species from several families. Using anthocyanin biosynthesis as a convenient readout, we discovered that homologous naturally occurring TFs showed differences in the transcriptional activation ability and that similar TFs induced large changes in the genetic program when heterologously expressed in different species.

Evolution of the biosynthetic pathways of terpene scent compounds in roses.

It is unknown why roses are terpene-rich, what the terpene biosynthetic pathways in roses are, and why only a few rose species produce the major components of rose essential oil. Here, we assembled two high-quality chromosome-level genomes for Rosa rugosa and Rosa multiflora. We also re-sequenced 132 individuals from the F1 progeny of Rosa chinensis and Rosa wichuraiana and 36 of their related species.

TcbHLH14 a Jasmonate Associated MYC2-like Transcription Factor Positively Regulates Pyrethrin Biosynthesis in .

Natural pyrethrins have high application value, and are widely used as a green pesticide in crop pest prevention and control. Pyrethrins are mainly extracted from the flower heads of ; however, the natural content is low. Therefore, it is essential to understand the regulatory mechanisms underlying the synthesis of pyrethrins through identification of key transcription factors.

The chromosome-level wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) genome provides insights into floral scent biosynthesis and flowering in winter.

Background: Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), an important ornamental plant, has evolved unique fragrant aroma and winter-flowering properties, which are critical for its successful sexual reproduction. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these traits are largely unknown in this species. In addition, wintersweet is also a typical representative species of the magnoliids, where the phylogenetic position of which relative to eudicots and monocots has not been conclusively resolved.

Identification and Molecular Characterization of Geranyl Diphosphate Synthase (GPPS) Genes in Wintersweet Flower.

Geranyl diphosphate synthase (GPPS) is a plastid localized enzyme that catalyzes the biosynthesis of Geranyl diphosphate (GPP), which is a universal precursor of monoterpenes. Wintersweet ( L.), a famous deciduous flowering shrub with a strong floral scent character, could have GPPS-like homologs that are involved in monoterpenes biosynthesis, but it remains unclear.